title: Achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders.
abstract: Achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and the hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter are considered primary esophageal motility disorder. These disorders are characterized by esophageal dysmotility that is responsible for the symptoms. While there is today a reasonable consensus about the pathophysiology, the diagnosis, and the treatment of achalasia, this has not occurred for the other disorders. A careful evaluation is therefore necessary before an operation is considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 5095, Room G-201, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. mpatti@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
authors.forename: Marco G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Patti
authors.forename: Fernando A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Herbella
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D011312:Pressure